This photo was taken at Sheepeater Cliff along the Gardner River in Yellowstone. In the distance, you can see a portion of the cliff with a feature called columnar basalt. It is the result of lava forming fractures or joints as it cools rapidly. The columns often form in hexagons, but can have 3 to 12 (or more) sides. The rock face looked similar to Devils Tower to me, but the rock material is completely different and the columns at Devils Tower are much greater diameter. And scientists have multiple competing theories on how Devils Tower formed.

I am impressed by how much scientists have “figured out” about the formation of the world, but at the same time, there is so much we don’t know. I am reminded of God’s conversation with Job below, when Job thought he knew more than God.

Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its size? Surely you know? Who stretched out the measuring line for it? Into what were its pedestals sunk, and who laid its cornerstone, While the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Who shut within doors the sea, when it burst forth from the womb, When I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling bands? Job 38:4-9

This is a photo of the Boiling River, which is actually where a hot spring feeds into the Gardner River in the far north part of Yellowstone. You can see the steam coming off of the water from the hot spring. This is one of the very few spots where you are allowed to get into the water at a hot spring within Yellowstone.

It was amazing how you could be standing in one spot and simultaneously feel scalding hot water along with near freezing water. Another surprising aspect of this experience was how someone standing/walking upstream dramatically affected the temperature of the water you were feeling.

For me, this is a vivid reminder of how our actions can significantly impact others, even when we are completely unaware of that impact.